CITB Specialists Plant and Equipment Operations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What must a specialist lifting supervisor ensure is prepared before any complex lifting operation (such as tandem lifts or lifts near structures)?
- A verbal briefing to the crane driver
- A written lift plan that covers all aspects of the operation including crane positions, ground conditions, load details, rigging methods, exclusion zones, and communication procedures (Correct answer)
- A photograph of the load to be lifted
- A text message to the site manager
Correct answer: A written lift plan that covers all aspects of the operation including crane positions, ground conditions, load details, rigging methods, exclusion zones, and communication procedures
BS 7121 and LOLER 1998 require a written lift plan for complex or higher-risk lifting operations. This must detail the crane(s) to be used, ground bearing capacity, load weight and centre of gravity, rigging arrangement, lift radius, exclusion zones, communication methods, and contingency procedures. The plan must be prepared by a competent appointed person.
Question 2: A specialist contractor notices that the rated capacity indicator (RCI) on a mobile crane is not functioning. What action must be taken?
- Continue lifting but reduce loads to 75% of capacity
- Immediately cease all lifting operations until the RCI is repaired and verified as functioning correctly (Correct answer)
- Use manual calculations instead of the RCI
- Operate the crane with a banksman watching the load radius
Correct answer: Immediately cease all lifting operations until the RCI is repaired and verified as functioning correctly
The RCI is a critical safety device that warns the operator when the crane is approaching its rated capacity for the current radius and configuration. Operating without a functioning RCI is extremely dangerous and is prohibited. The crane must be taken out of service until the RCI is repaired and calibrated by a competent person.
Question 3: Under PUWER 1998, what specific requirement applies to specialist equipment that has dangerous moving parts?
- Moving parts should be painted in bright colours
- Effective guards or protection devices must be provided to prevent access to dangerous parts, and must not be easily bypassed (Correct answer)
- Workers should be told to stay clear
- A sign warning of moving parts is sufficient
Correct answer: Effective guards or protection devices must be provided to prevent access to dangerous parts, and must not be easily bypassed
PUWER 1998 Regulations 11-13 require that dangerous parts of machinery are guarded with fixed guards, interlocked guards, or other protection devices (light curtains, pressure mats). Guards must not be easily defeated or bypassed, must not create additional risks, and must allow essential maintenance to be carried out safely. Information and training must also be provided.
Question 4: What is the legal requirement for specialist plant and vehicles operating in areas where pedestrian workers are present on a construction site?
- Pedestrians should stay alert and move out of the way
- Traffic management segregation must be established, including designated pedestrian routes, vehicle exclusion zones, and banksman control where segregation cannot be achieved (Correct answer)
- Only the vehicle horn needs to be used
- High-visibility clothing for pedestrians is sufficient
Correct answer: Traffic management segregation must be established, including designated pedestrian routes, vehicle exclusion zones, and banksman control where segregation cannot be achieved
CDM 2015 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require separation of pedestrians and vehicles wherever practicable. This means designated pedestrian walkways, vehicle-only routes, physical barriers, signed crossing points, and trained banksmen where complete separation cannot be achieved. Vehicle-pedestrian interface is a leading cause of construction fatalities.
Question 5: A specialist contractor is using a telehandler to lift a suspended load. Under what condition is this permitted?
- It is always permitted as telehandlers are designed for lifting
- Only when the telehandler is specifically rated and configured for lifting duties with an appropriate attachment, and a LOLER thorough examination for lifting has been completed (Correct answer)
- Whenever the load is under 500kg
- Only on flat ground
Correct answer: Only when the telehandler is specifically rated and configured for lifting duties with an appropriate attachment, and a LOLER thorough examination for lifting has been completed
Not all telehandlers are rated for lifting suspended loads. The machine must be specifically designed or configured for lifting duties, fitted with an appropriate lifting attachment (hook, lifting jib), and have a current LOLER thorough examination certificate for use as a lifting machine. The rated lifting capacity at various radii must be clearly marked and not exceeded.
Question 6: What must a specialist plant operator do before leaving any item of plant unattended on a construction site?
- Switch off the engine only
- Lower all attachments to the ground, engage the parking brake, switch off the engine, remove the key, and secure the cab to prevent unauthorised use (Correct answer)
- Park it in a visible location
- Leave the engine running to maintain battery charge
Correct answer: Lower all attachments to the ground, engage the parking brake, switch off the engine, remove the key, and secure the cab to prevent unauthorised use
When leaving plant unattended, the operator must lower all buckets, forks, or attachments to the ground, apply the parking brake, switch off the engine, remove the ignition key, and lock the cab. This prevents unauthorised use (particularly by children on open sites) and eliminates the risk of uncontrolled movement from hydraulic drift or brake failure.
CITB Specialists Plant and Equipment Operations 2
What must a specialist lifting supervisor ensure is prepared before any complex lifting operation (such as tandem lifts or lifts near structures)?